November 6, 2026

Dear neighbors,

 

As we prepare for the 2027 Legislative Session, Maryland faces significant challenges, including a projected $2.6 billion structural budget deficit, rising costs for families, and difficult decisions about healthcare, economic growth, and government accountability.

To better position the Senate for these challenges, I announced several leadership changes. Senators Brian Feldman, Mary Washington, Antonio Hayes, Katie Fry Hester, Dawn Gile, Ben Brooks, Cory McCray, Alonzo Washington, and Cheryl Kagan will take on new or expanded responsibilities across Senate leadership and committees. I'm confident this team will help us navigate the difficult decisions ahead and deliver meaningful results for Marylanders.
 

Maryland's 2026 General Election Results

 

Tuesday's election gave Marylanders plenty to celebrate! At a time when the Trump Administration continues to challenge the rule of law and undermine constitutional protections, voters sent a powerful message about the values we stand for in our State. According to unofficial election results, Maryland voters approved all three proposed constitutional amendments. Questions 1 and 2 address collective bargaining protections for State employees and oversight by the Commission on Judicial Disabilities.

 

Question 3 clarifies constitutional requirements for State legislative districts and allows the General Assembly to give Maryland's highest court original jurisdiction over congressional redistricting cases. The amendment does not change existing congressional boundaries, but establishes an additional legal framework for future redistricting disputes.

 

In Baltimore City, voters also approved all nine local ballot questions, including $280 million in borrowing authority for schools, housing, community development, and public infrastructure. Other measures establish the Baltimore Baby Fund and a Department of Water and Wastewater, along with changes to City contracting and budgeting procedures.
 

Baltimore City Public Schools Reach Historic Milestone

 

Baltimore City Public Schools reached an encouraging milestone in the 2026 Maryland School Report Card, with 53% of schools earning three stars or higher for the first time since the State introduced its rating system. This represents remarkable progress from just 25% in 2022, more than doubling the proportion of higher-rated schools in four years. The district also reported meaningful reductions in chronic absenteeism among middle school students, reflecting continued progress in addressing barriers to academic success.

 

I know the tremendous dedication that our educators and school communities bring to this work every day and while challenges remain, this achievement deserves recognition.
 

Celebrating the Duane Avenue Parklet in Brooklyn

 

Yesterday, I joined the Greater Baybrook Alliance (GBA) and neighborhood residents to celebrate the ribbon cutting for the newly constructed playground at Duane Avenue Park in Brooklyn. What was once an underused space now offers children a place to play and gives families a welcoming area to gather. 

 

This project shows what is possible when residents help identify priorities, community organizations bring partners together, and those efforts are sustained over time. I’m proud to support that work across South Baltimore.
 

Supporting Maryland's Innovation Economy

 

Last week, I joined TEDCO 2026 Entrepreneur Expo in downtown Baltimore for a fireside chat. We discussed how Maryland can build on its world-class research institutions, federal laboratories, and talented workforce to attract investment, support entrepreneurs, and create good-paying jobs. Maryland leads in research and innovation, but we must do more to turn those strengths into successful businesses and economic opportunities across the State.

 

This year I sponsored legislation establishing Maryland’s Future Board, which will develop a long-term economic growth strategy and identify investments to strengthen our State’s competitiveness. The Board will help guide investments through the new Maryland’s Future Fund, with a focus on growing emerging industries, attracting private investment, and creating jobs. By connecting our research institutions, entrepreneurs, and business leaders, we can build a stronger economy that creates lasting opportunities for Maryland families.
 

Smith Cove Restoration Project

 

On October 29, the Board of Public Works approved a wetlands license for the Smith Cove Restoration Project along the Middle Branch waterfront between Cherry Hill and Westport. As part of the larger Reimagine Middle Branch initiative, the project will restore wetlands, improve water quality, reduce flooding, and create stronger connections between South Baltimore neighborhoods and the waterfront. I look forward to seeing this project help restore the health of the Middle Branch while creating more accessible green space.
 

Baltimore Named One of National Geographic's Best Places to Visit

 

Baltimore is getting some well-deserved national recognition! National Geographic has named our City one of the best places to visit in 2027, highlighting our rich history, vibrant neighborhoods, and revitalized waterfront. The publication points to the $38 million expansion of the National Museum of Railroad History & Innovation, formerly the B&O Railroad Museum, as Baltimore prepares to celebrate 200 years of American railroading. It also highlights beloved landmarks like Lexington Market, Fort McHenry, and the National Aquarium, along with new attractions and investments transforming our waterfront.
 

Howard County Executive Calvin Ball has been named interim president of Baltimore City Community College (BCCC). With Baltimore's world-class hospitals, research institutions, the Port, and growing industries that need skilled workers, our community college should be central to connecting more residents with affordable education, workforce training, and good-paying careers. Calvin brings eight years of executive leadership, deep relationships across Maryland, a doctorate focused on community college leadership, and firsthand experience at BCCC. I look forward to working with him. 

Maryland has reached a major milestone in plans to replace the Chesapeake Bay Bridge. The Federal Highway Administration has approved the environmental review and selected a plan to replace the existing bridges with two new four-lane spans, each with full shoulders to improve safety and traffic flow. The new bridges would also provide greater clearance for larger ships traveling to the Port of Baltimore. Design work is expected to begin in 2028, with construction potentially starting as early as 2032.

 

The Moore-Miller Administration recently announced $12.1 million in rental assistance funding to help more than 2,100 Maryland households avoid eviction and homelessness, including nearly $3 million through United Way of Central Maryland. Through the Community Schools Rental Assistance Program, families with a student enrolled in a participating community school may be eligible for assistance with overdue rent, utility bills, security deposits, and moving expenses. 

 

The Maryland Energy Administration is accepting applications from renewable energy and energy storage developers for Megawatts for Maryland, a program established by the General Assembly that will provide up to $200 million over two years for grid-scale energy projects. By expanding Maryland’s supply of clean, locally generated electricity, we aim to improve energy reliability and lower utility costs for families over the long term. 

 

Open enrollment for 2027 health insurance coverage through Maryland Health Connection is underway and runs through January 15. Visit MarylandHealthConnection.gov to compare plans, check whether you qualify for financial assistance, and enroll.
 

If you need help navigating a State agency, have a question about legislation, or want to raise an issue affecting you or your neighborhood, please reach out. Include a brief description of the issue and the best way to contact you so my team can follow up.

 

Email bill.ferguson@senate.state.md.us or call 410-841-3600.

Senator Bill Ferguson

46th Legislative District | Baltimore City

President of the Maryland Senate

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